When searching for a job, there are some very important things to remember.
First, look for a job doing something your really want to do. Doing work that you don't enjoy is stressful to your mind and body. This makes it difficult to do a good job. When you do work you enjoy, everyone benefits - you, your employer and your clients/customers.
Second, make sure you are getting paid for your knowledge and experience. Companies that do not pay their employees fair wages, should be avoided. You can check what the expected wage is in your area for the work you do at CareerOneStop.
Third, location is very important because your time is valuable! Think about it. If you have to travel an hour or more to your job, that's two or more hours a day you aren't spending with family and friends or doing things you need to do.
Next, consider the management style of the company where you are applying. Ask in your interview about their management style. If you are someone who needs little supervision, having a supervisor that is always looking over your shoulder will drive you crazy. In addition, having a supervisor who is never available is confusing and difficult. Knowing ahead of time how you will be managed is a great benefit to finding the right job.
Finally, ask in your interview about advancement. Does the company offer any benefits for employees to get more training? Do they have a tuition reimbursement (they give you back money spent on school) program. Do they offer in-house (within the company) training?
Job-searching is not easy, but if you remember these important things, you will have an easier time of finding the right position for you!
What are "transferable skills?"
Transferable skills are the things you can do that can be used in almost any job or career. Everyone has some transferable skills. These skills should appear on your resume.
Here is a list:
Transferable Skills List
Communication Skills:
the skillful expression transmission and interpretation of knowledge and ideas.
- Speaking effectively
- Writing concisely
- Listening attentively
- Expressing ideas
- Facilitating group discussion
- Providing appropriate feedback
- Negotiating
- Perceiving nonverbal messages
- Persuading
Reporting information
- Describing feelings
- Interviewing
- Editing
Research and Planning Skills:
the search for specific knowledge and the ability to conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting those needs.
- Forecasting predicting
- Creating ideas
- Identifying problems
- Imagining alternatives
- Identifying resources
- Gathering information
- Solving problems
- Setting goals
- Extracting important information
- Defining needs
- Analyzing
- Developing evaluation strategies
Human Relations Skills:
the use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict relating to and helping people.
- Developing rapport
- Being sensitive
- Listening
- Conveying feelings
- Providing support for others
- Motivating
- Sharing credit
- Counseling
- Cooperating
- Delegating with respect
- Representing others
- Perceiving feelings situations
- Asserting
Organization Management and Leadership Skills:
the ability to supervise direct and guide individuals and groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals.
- Initiating new ideas
- Handling details
- Coordinating tasks
- Managing groups
- Delegating responsibility
- Teaching
- Coaching
- Counseling
- Promoting change
- Selling ideas or products
- Decision making with others
- Managing conflict
Work Survival Skills:
the day-to-day skills that assist in promoting effective production and work satisfaction.
- Implementing decisions
- Cooperating
- Enforcing policies
- Being punctual
- Managing time
- Attending to detail
- Meeting goals
- Enlisting help
- Accepting responsibility
- Setting and meeting deadlines
- Organizing
- Making decisions
